South Africa says it lost 124 rhinos to poachers this year

Issued by South African National Parks Corporate Communications The South African National Parks (SANParks) said in a statement today (Thursday, 1 July 2010) that rhino poaching throughout the country continues to escalate at an unprecedented rate since the beginning of the year. To date South Africa has lost a further 32 rhinos, bringing the overall number...

The South African National Parks (SANParks) said in a statement today (Thursday, 1 July 2010) that rhino poaching throughout the country continues to escalate at an unprecedented rate since the beginning of the year.

To date South Africa has lost a further 32 rhinos, bringing the overall number of lost rhinos this year to 124. The SA National Parks have lost 55 rhinos, while the provinces have lost 38 rhinos collectively and the private sector has also collectively lost 31 rhinos. Of the rhinos lost, 5 were black rhino (Diceros bicornis bicornis/Diceros bicornis minor) and 119 white rhino (Ceratotherium simum simum).

The rhinos lost through poaching throughout the country constitute approximately 0,6% of the estimated white rhino population of 19,409 and approximately 0,3% of the 1,752 estimated black rhino population.

The Chief Executive of SANParks, Dr David Mabunda, said that the country is distressed by this continued escalation in rhino poaching but what is equally worrying is the escalating uninformed wild claims of the imminent extinction of the rhino populations. Whereas the poaching is unfortunately at unprecedented and unacceptable levels it is still below 1% of the existing populations and well below the annual growth rates of both white and black rhino which currently are set at between 6% – 11,5% and 3% – 6,5% respectively.

The joint operations involving the SA Police Service, SANParks and environmental crime prevention teams from provincial conservation authorities have so far made 42 arrests (22 of them in the Kruger National Park) this year. On Tuesday, 29 June 2010, a 29-year-old Vietnamese national, Xuan Hoang, was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment by a Kempton Park Magistrate’s court for possession of seven rhino horns after he was apprehended trying to smuggle his cargo through OR Tambo International.

Dr Mabunda repeated the call for all citizens to be vigilant and report to the police any suspicious activity especially for low-flying Robinson R44 helicopters with concealed registration numbers which are widely used by criminals in rhino poaching.

About National Geographic Society

The National Geographic Society is a global nonprofit organization that uses the power of science, exploration, education and storytelling to illuminate and protect the wonder of our world. Since 1888, National Geographic has pushed the boundaries of exploration, investing in bold people and transformative ideas, providing more than 14,000 grants for work across all seven continents, reaching 3 million students each year through education offerings, and engaging audiences around the globe through signature experiences, stories and content. To learn more, visit www.nationalgeographic.org or follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

Meet the Author

David Max Braun

More than forty years in U.S., UK, and South African media gives David Max Braun global perspective and experience across multiple storytelling platforms. His coverage of science, nature, politics, and technology has been published/broadcast by the BBC, CNN, NPR, AP, UPI, National Geographic, TechWeb, De Telegraaf, Travel World, and Argus South African Newspapers. He has published two books and won several journalism awards. In his 22-year career at National Geographic he was VP and editor in chief of National Geographic Digital Media, and the founding editor of the National Geographic Society blog, hosting a global discussion on issues resonating with the Society's mission and initiatives. He also directed the Society side of the Fulbright-National Geographic Digital Storytelling Fellowship, awarded to Americans seeking the opportunity to spend nine months abroad, engaging local communities and sharing stories from the field with a global audience. A regular expert on National Geographic Expeditions, David also lectures on storytelling for impact. He has 120,000 followers on social media: FacebookTwitterLinkedIn